Progress 2018
2–Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018
Missoula development continues its roll A Snapshot of the Progress of the Missoula Business Community.
Like the river it spans, Missoula’s business landscape is constantly undergoing changes in composition.With an endless motion, the ebb and flow meets the ever-changing needs of the Missoula market. From large-scale construction projects,
to small retail spaces changing hands, the past year has seen its share of growth and prosperity. Major construction projects have caught the curiosity of residents, anxiously waiting to see what the scaffolding holds in store.
As Missoula moves ever onward, the ever-changing landscape is a bountiful sign of more to come. With forward-thinking businesses taking the opportunity to utilize all that Missoula can offer, the entire city can forge ahead with success and prosperity.
Noteworthy grows into new 3rd Street location
Noteworthy Paper & Press has caught the eye of many a pedestrian for many years with their distinctive window displays featuring Noteworthy fanciful scenes Paper & Press borne from paper219 South craft imagination. 3rd Street W. With their recent relocation from Higgins Avenue to the Missoula Food Bank’s old space at 219 South 3rd Street West, the stationery store has no plans to change this attractive tradition. Progress 2018, Vo. 6, No. 1 A special advertising section of the Missoulian, Sunday, January 28, 2018 Publisher Mike Gullege
Section Editor Mindy Glenna
Advertising Director Jeff Avgeris
Writer Rachel Crisp Phillips
Advertising Sales Annie Mead, Bryon Bertollt, Carolyn Bartlett, Scott Woodall, Taylor Miller
Photographers Rachel Crisp Phillips, Tom Bauer, Tommy Martino
While the new-to-them space was becoming too small for its prior tenant, it’s just the right fit for Noteworthy’s growing business. While the shop specializes in stationery, greeting cards and gifts, they also print their own stock using antique machinery. The relocation means that the intriguing equipment can be on the same level as the store’s stock, instead of in the basement as it was in the prior location. Along with the move, Noteworthy anticipates expanding its ever-growing wholesale business, and to host other creative makers during First Friday shows.
P.O. Box 8029 • Missoula, MT 59807-8029
406-523-5211
Progress 2018
Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018 – 3
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4–Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018
Progress 2018
Stockman Bank brings the green downtown Downtown Missoula has had some stories tall, with the bank taking up the obvious changes over the years, and one bottom two floors. The third floor houses of the most recently noticeable is the new the law firm Worden Thane, and there Stockman Bank building located on 1243 are plans to fill the fourth and fifth floors Burlington Ave., at the southeast corner of with other tenants. Capping it off is the community sixth floor, with a boardroom, Orange Street and Broadway. conference area, and plenty Since getting its start in of space for events. A series 1953 in Miles City, Stockman Stockman Bank of terraces at the upper Bank has been expanding 1243 Burlington levels look out onto the westwards as the business Ave. surrounding city and provide grows. After serving loyal customers in the Missoula area access to outdoor space. But perhaps the most impressive features for over 20 years, the Missoula building was of all are the high environmental standards a logical next step. “Stockman Bank is a Montana-based, that were incorporated into the building. “I think it is important and pretty family-owned company who are across most of Montana. We certainly viewed remarkable, not only in the deconstruction Missoula as an important western Montana of the prior buildings but in the design of vibrant business community, so it just made this building, with the solar and the rooftop sense,” said Bob Burns, Missoula Market vegetation,” said Burns. The Design Architect for Stockman Bank, president. “We have a lot of customers from across the state that have a presence Mike Tuss of CTA Architects Engineers, in Missoula, so it just made sense for a said, “It originated from within Stockman Montana-based company to invest in Bank and saying, we’re moving into the Missoula and particularly downtown Missoula market, and Missoula’s very green, Missoula to expand its footprint for its and we want to be a part of that.” customers.” Having worked with Stockman since The largest building of all the bank’s the mid-90s, Tuss was familiar with similar locations, the Missoula structure stands six goals from the bank. When constructing
the Billings location years ago, the company aimed to follow guidelines for LEED certification; which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The new Missoula building meets criteria forV4 Platinum status, the most environmentally friendly certification possible. Many improvements can add points to a LEED score, in addition to helping the local environment. Starting with demolition, subcontractor Waste Less Works focused on salvaging as much material as possible and saving it from clogging up the landfill. “We encourage reuse of materials wherever we can because they have what we call in the industry embodied energy, there’s been an effort put into making those materials and rather than just throwing them into the landfill and losing that investment that we encourage that stuff to be recycled whether LEED or not. This one went to an extra level,” Tuss said. As construction went on, a large solar power system was installed, as many panels as possible, which provides about 6% of the total energy required by the building. Rainwater and snowmelt is harvested from the property in order to be reused in flushing toilets or watering the landscaping.
Not only is clean water saved, but so are the hidden energy costs that exist with pumping in a municipal water supply. “All total, according to our calculations, we are able to reduce potable water consumption by about 70%. Which is a big deal in the West, with as dry as the West is and trying to keep from using drinkable water,” said Tuss. Other environmentally friendly features include electric vehicle charging stations and an outdoor terrace with a vegetative roof that helps keep the building cool. The solar panels help create shade as well, resulting in roofs that are energy efficient. Altogether, these touches add up to one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the state. With Missoula’s downtown branch firmly planted on its way to success, deconstruction has begun on the site for a second location on Brooks with a groundbreaking scheduled for spring. All the bustling growth and focus on using local subcontractors has added many jobs to the Missoula market. “Certainly Stockman will be exploring other important markets in Western Montana in the future,” Burns said.
Progress 2018
Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018 – 5
Jones Brothers Trucking
Builds new Missoula home, training center
Founded in Missoula, Jones Brothers Trucking has enjoyed many years of success in providing transport services across the country. In the summer of 2017, the time finally came to relocate to 6681 Commercial Lane and settle into a new facility with the space and capability to support further growth. Jones “We had just Brothers outgrown the older Trucking facility. Technologywise it was behind 6681 the times as far Commercial as the wiring and Lane we had grown as a company and expanded several departments within the company and needed more space,” said Rex Balentine, Assistant Safety Supervisor at Jones Brothers Trucking, Inc. With a service area that covers all 48 of the continental United States, it is little wonder that more space was needed in order to thrive. But physical area and technological improvements are not the only challenges facing the prosperous trucking industry today.
“The biggest challenge has always been in finding the right person to do the job. Trucking is not for everybody, it takes a special kind of person,” Balentine said.
what is becoming a rare find these days, Jones Brothers offers in-house training to all candidates to assist in jump-starting long-term careers in the trucking industry.
Those special kinds of people are exactly what Jones Brothers Trucking needs when looking ahead at their business future. In
Even the dispatchers are fully trained in the driving program in order to better understand the truckers’ job. Because of
this dedication to education, Jones Brothers is able to maintain one of the best claimfree delivery rates in the flatbed industry. “One of the advantages to our company is that we offer in-house training, and it’s not something you really see a lot within trucking companies,” said Balentine, “But with us being a smaller carrier we’re able to still hand-select candidates and that allows us to not necessarily just put people in trucks to get trucks moving but to find that above-average person that wants to be a part of us, not just a job, but looking for more of a career.” Jones Brothers has reached out to the Job Service to find interested entry-level candidates, and is also looking to recruit people directly. Experienced drivers and owner operators are also currently in demand. The training program remains a big draw, providing an opportunity to learn the rules of the road while preparing for a long-term career that shows no signs of hitting the brakes.
6–Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018
Progress 2018
Les Schwab expands into new Russell Street location The Les Schwab Tire Center building on Brooks has long stood as a testament to good tires and great service, but the space has since served its needs and it’s time for the business to move on to a bigger pasture. “Not only was it a very old building that had outdoor bays, but the rest of the business was behind the store across the street. Our alignment shop was in the back, then there was a warehouse behind that, and there was no parking,” said Jim Chandler, Area Manager for Montana. “So between an old building, outside bays, separate businesses and off the premises parking – it was a big need for a long time.” Les Schwab’s new location takes over a portion of the space left behind from the demolition of the Five Valleys Bowling Center near the Fairgrounds. The site is also prepared to take on two other tenants, who are yet to be determined. Proximity to the old store played a large part in the decision to build on the newly demolished site, as the new store would already have customer association with Les Schwab in that area of town. It was also important to have the room to expand and merge the functions of the three old
operating buildings into one. With a grand opening planned for early spring 2018, there is still a lot of work to be done to complete the new location. But every day is another step closer to realizing the goal of a modernized store. This Missoula store is not alone in the Les Schwab makeover movement. In fact, there is a nationwide modernization project in place whereby the company is refreshing and rebuilding stores all over the country in order to meet state-of-the-art standards and expand across the west. “It will take time, but they’re choosing older stores, stores that need it the worst, stores that have outside bays, things like that as a priority,” said Chandler. New markets in Montana are already being eyed as well, with Bozeman, Billings and Great Falls slated for expansion. “Just being able to give our customers a nicer facility to enjoy, being able to park, not have to be halfway dangerous walking across the street just to get to our stores … Hopefully it all works out to where making it a nicer facility for everybody, both customers and employees, hopefully we see growth in the future,” Chandler said. “We welcome everybody to come take a look.”
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Progress 2018
Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018 – 7
Adair Bridal Center, your one-stop wedding shop Long known as one of Missoula’s premiere jewelers, Adair Jewelers recently moved on up the road to a new location on North Reserve Street, at 3465 American Way. With 14,500 square feet, the
Adair Jewelers 3465 American Way
new Adair Bridal Center location will be home to several smaller shops that are also wedding related. The configuration and convenience promises to be a one-stop-shop for all of a couple’s engagement and bridal desires.
Get your workout in the zone at Orangetheory Fitness The Orangetheory Fitness franchise is one of the fastest growing in the country, and it now has a home in Missoula. Located at 3624 Brooks St. Space 1014, the center provides one-hour classes that are a combination of cardio and resistance training that burns calories for up to 36 hours afterwards. According to the to standards of the worldwide franchise. company’s website, “Orange was chosen to represent the point at which With locations in 15 countries, and over the heart is functioning at 85 percent of 700 in the United States alone, the studio its maximum – when it’s producing most prides itself on presenting the most upto-date equipment with efficiently the greatest amount high-end standards. As added of energy, and pulling the Orangetheory convenience, anyone who is greatest amount of oxygen Fitness a member may book classes into the body. That’s the zone 3624 Brooks St. at any other Orangetheory in which the body burns Fitness studio location. In the most fat and every cell is Montana, the fitness chain also energized.” All Orangetheory fitness centers are recently opened locations in Billings and independently owned while adhering Bozeman.
“I’ve been in the jewelry business for pushing 40 yrs, and everybody’s always talked about how ‘wouldn’t it be great to do a one-stop bridal’ where you had a bridal gown store, a tuxedo shop, maybe a wedding planner, a travel agency, cake, florist, etcetera along with a jewelry store
in one building. And everybody’s talked about it, but when this building came up we saw that it’s ideal for that so we decided to go ahead and do it,” says owner Jim Adair. “I don’t know of any other store in the country that’s done it, this is the first one that I know of.”
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8–Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018
Progress 2018
Southgate Mall adds something for everyone Driving down Brooks Street within the keeping the mall relevant in the shopping past year, it’s impossible to miss the fact that center world. By focusing on some dynamic something big is going on at Southgate uses of entertainment, food offerings and Mall. Indeed, the construction and changes services - those are the types of things that to the surrounding area promise to be in the shopping center industry are the the backbone of an types of changes that you’re seeing extensive expansion. as relevant to the success of shopping Southgate Mall A major part of the 2901 Brooks St. centers throughout the US, and we’re project is Missoula’s on the front end of that as well,” says newest movie theater Tim Winger, General Manager of to-be, boasting nine-screens and dine-in Southgate Mall. food service to go along with the visual While the expansion has had its share entertainment. Run by AMC Theatres, of challenges, with community support the space will bring the latest in movies as the mall has been able to proceed with well as the ability to do other events live its vision of success. From the acquisition on screen. and demolition of nearby properties to No less in scope is the addition of increase the available footprint, to creating Lucky’s Market, an organic-focused a through street out of the formerly deadgrocery store which adds convenience to end Mary Avenue, the scope of the project the mall neighborhood with the addition has been monumental. of access to fresh produce and groceries. “With a property that was built 40 years Both the movie theater and grocery store ago, there are all kinds of construction are prime pieces to the larger puzzle of challenges, timing challenges. We’ve been keeping the mall current with changing very, very fortunate to have a city and a times and tastes. county and some organizations throughout “The ownership of the mall has always the city that share our vision of making this been very forward-thinking toward a great place to come and visit to shop,”
says Winger. “So the challenge was met and a little bit easier with the collaboration of all the folks that helped to get this done.” Although both businesses will probably be open by the end of April, no dates have been announced. However, when that day arrives, it won’t be the end of the
improvements lined up for the space.There is more in store for Missoula’s developing shopping center, including attracting even more new businesses. “Our continued focus will be very forward-thinking retailers, relevant retailers, national, regional and local,” says Winger.
MOD Pizza takes custom pizza to a new level There’s a new pizza place perfection in a gas-fire oven, and in town, and it’s setting a pace the result is quickly delicious. Focused on a people-first beyond the average fast-food binge. MOD Pizza, at 2775 mission, MOD Pizza, was North Reserve Street, touts founded in Seattle in 2008 individual pizzas made on and has grown exponentially demand from since, opening 110 a choice of new locations in MOD Pizza 30 different 2017 and more than 2775 toppings - all for doubling its size over one set price. the last two years. N. Reserve St. An assemblyFortune magazine line formation recently recognized makes service faster and easier, the chain as one of the “20 but the foundation is fresh- Best Workplaces in Retail” for pressed dough and signature its career opportunities and sauces. Add to that a variety progressive policies, such as full of freshly prepared topping health benefits to employees ingredients and super-melty working more than 26 hours a cheese all baked to swift week and paying living wages.
Progress 2018
Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018 – 9
Mary’s Mountain Cookies brings big cookies to the Big Sky state There’s a new treat in town at Mary’s Mountain Cookies on 101 South Higgins Ave. The smell of the company’s signature quarter-pound cookies waft down the street long before the store is in sight. Featuring an array of delectable baked goods, the shop features flavors ranging from the traditional chocolate chip or snickerdoodle to the gourmet, such as s’mores. Seasonal favorites, brownies and ice cream filled cookies are also an option, as well as edible cookie dough served in handy carry-out cups.
Merle Norman Cosmetics continues ‘try before you buy’ at new location
offers bulk orders for corporate meetings, customer appreciation Mary’s events, employee recognition, wedding Mountain Cookies dessert tables and any 101 S. Higgins Ave. other situation that craves a cookie or two. Giant cookies are also available to make any Aside from catering to passersby lured by the sweet scent, the cookie company event special.
This fall, Merle Norman Cosmetics and of product demonstration and ‘try before Wigs moved to its new location on 2000 you buy’ as her trademark. After opening South Avenue West, near her first studio, she expanded to give other women the Southgate Mall. Featuring Merle Norman opportunity to own and superior products made in the United States along with Cosmetice and Wigs operate their own stores, individualized service, the 2000 South Ave. W. decades before it became the norm for women to become company prides itself on entrepreneurs. quality. The family-owned parent company The Missoula branch features all of Merle was founded in the late 1920’s by an Norman’s color cosmetics and skincare, ambitious young woman with the concept and maintains over 250 wigs in stock.
Montana’s Premier Mall
COME SEE WHAT’S in store
Change never goes out of style. From new shopping and dining options to the highly anticipated arrival of Lucky’s Market and AMC DINE-IN theater this spring, something new is always in store at Southgate Mall.
2901 BROOKS ST. | MISSOULA, MONTANA
SHOPSOUTHGATE.COM
Progress 2018
10–Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018
Ashley Furniture Homestore finds a perfect home The Ashley Furniture Homestore filled a niche in the city of Missoula when it moved into its new Ashley Furniture home in Homestore a 32,000 2640 N. Reserve St. -square-foot s h ow ro o m at 2640 N. Reserve Sr., in the building formerly occupied by Sports Authority. The furniture store chain has over 70 years of notoriety for producing quality furniture products with a keen eye for timeless design. Jimmy Mai, CEO, is the owner of the new Missoula location as well as the location in Helena. As all Ashley Furniture Homestores are independently owned and operated, this new branch has no affiliation with the old Ashley store previously in Missoula. After scouting the Missoula market for several months, constantly scanning the stock of vacant properties, he
finally found the perfect space that he had been searching for. “We spent a lot of time and did a lot of research on the location, which is very important, and we found on Reserve a major high-traffic area for Missoula,” says Mai. This prime location combined with the modern aesthetic that Mai was seeking
to present the perfect opportunity. Although Mai had experience with the Helena store, the Missoula venture was bound to be a whole other ballgame. The differences of the Helena market when compared to Missoula are apparent, mainly due to Missoula’s larger size and modern look. “The one in the Helena market is totally different because it’s a smaller city,” said Mai. “For Missoula here, it’s a bigger city, more shopping, more things to do, more restaurants.” With more and more shoppers seeking more and more variety, it made good sense
for Mai to make a go into the Missoula market. The addition of the furniture store is a good fit to round out the shopping options on North Reserve, bringing customers a new option for local furniture. Not only does Missoula’s vibe fit well with what the store was searching for, the Ashley Furniture Homestore parent company supports many philanthropic causes that are in line with Missoula’s giving personality. Social, educational, environmental and health issues are at the heart of their charitable mission with these beliefs manifested in programs such as Hope to Dream, which commits a portion of every mattress purchase to donate beds to children who need them, and raise the importance of sleep for development. After consecutively opening the Helena store, and then the Missoula branch, Mai is looking forward to further growth, but is taking a breather before working too far ahead.
Building the Future
of Banking
Missoula Market President Bob Burns is pleased to bring Stockman Bank to the corner of Orange and Broadway. Missoula 321 West Broadway | 1243 Burlington Avenue 258-1400 258-1430
stockmanbank.com ©2018 Stockman Bank | Member FDIC
Progress 2018
Missoulian, Sunday, Janaury 28, 2018 – 11
Hands-on learning focus of new spectrUM Discovery Area When the University of Montana While the technology incorporated into the spectrUM Discovery Area moved to their learning center is advanced, the environment new location at 812 Toole Ave, it opened up is not. The number of screens has been a brand new world of science and learning reduced in the remodel, and the focus is on for the children of Missoula. interactive hands-on learning. With this in One of the fun features of the larger mind, UM’s spectrUM Discovery Area also building is the additional space transports exhibits and educators spectrUM to rotate in new exhibits, such to schools and libraries across as an “augmented reality” the state, reaching over 50,000 Discovery Area sandbox that allows participants Montanans annually. 812 Toole Ave. to physically manipulate sand Along with moving to the into mountains, lakes, and more new home for the spectrUM while a projected topographical map updates Discovery Area this year, the program images to depict the creations being made. unveiled exhibits in the new Missoula Food More regular activities include drone flight, Bank. That area, called the EmPower Place, stomp rockets, a tinkering space, a expanded provides an interactive learning space for classroom, a community room, as well as children while parents make use of the many new resources on-site at the new building. exhibits from the previous space.
New Missoula Food Bank has more to offer community Providing an invaluable service to the Another feature of the move is the EmPower Place, Missoula community has long been the a free family learning center located inside the new function of the Missoula Food Bank. Now with building. Cultivated by a collaboration between the a newer, bigger location on 1720 University of Montana spectrUM Wyoming Street, the organization Discovery Area, the Missoula Missoula Food Bank is prepared to offer even more Food Bank and the Missoula 1720 Wyoming St. services and support to those in Public Library, the interactive need. space features spectrUM science With a goal beyond merely exhibits, a ball wall, library books, feeding the hungry, the new location offers more story times, as well as hands-on learning activities education opportunities as well as more space. A involving math, science and English. modern learning kitchen, community meeting Aside from what’s inside, the location of the room, interactive kids’ center, and programs such as new Food Bank provides greater access to public nutritional and cooking classes all provide hands- transportation and bike paths, creating a convenient on community services beyond the basic hand-out. place for clients to seek aid with dignity and kindness.
Western Cider brings Bitterroot goodness to heart of Missoula The story of Western Cider began in Missoula in the spring of 2017. in the Bitterroot Valley in 2012 Located on the banks of the Clark when Michael Billingsley planted Fork River, at 501 N California Street, a cider apple the location produces the orchard comprised entire, diverse range of Western Cider of rare varieties ciders that are distributed specially suited 501 N. California St. across the Missoula, Butte, for cider. Since Kalispell, Whitefish and Bozeman markets. that beginning, The building itself, a former Billingsley has planted additional trees every year, growing to the current tannery then tire manufacturing amount of over 4,500 trees spanning building, is located in a prime position in the heart of Missoula near over 50 varieties. After years of cultivating the the revitalized Old Sawmill District. orchard, Western Cider opened a Set along the bike path, with outdoor tasting room and production facility seating facing the river, the location
promises to be an ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing beverage. The only cidery in Montana that grows its own apples, Western Cider works with varieties of apples that are more difficult to grow, but that result in a more refined cider. These are the chosen apples that comprise the line of beverages, from Poor Farmer canned hard cider to seasonal specialties that rotate in the taproom. Their hard work has already paid off in the form of awards at the Portland International Cider Cup for Best New Cidery and Best in Show for their McIntosh cider.
doing the right thing since 1952 Quality and service every time you walk through the doors.
Come see us at our new location 1505 Dearborn Ave.
We offer the complete Les Schwab experience from the moment a driver enters the parking lot. We greet you at your car, show you a wide selection of tires to meet your safety and driving requirements, and explain our free warranties for brakes, custom wheels, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts. Ever since Les Schwab opened his first tire store, our business has been about earning your trust. We strive to bring you the best selection, quality and service every time you walk through the doors.
When you purchase a set of tires from Les Schwab, it only marks the beginning of your relationship with us. We stand behind you for the life of your tires, with services like:
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